STEM

What is STEM Education?

Our STEM programs embrace a student driven, inquiry embedded instructional approach, utilizing educational models such as Project/Problem Based Learning and Design Thinking. Some of our Jeffco Schools partner with organizations such as The Buck Institute for Education, New Tech Network, and EL Learning to support these instructional approaches.

Secondary STEM programs throughout Jeffco are a part of our robust Career and Technical Education pathways. Please see our CTE site for more information.

For more information about how individual schools across Jeffco provide STEM Education opportunities please visit School Finder.

Why STEM Education?

Students will need STEM related knowledge and skills to be our future global leaders and ensure the security and progress of society. The creation of STEM pathways promotes equity and efficacy for all students. Our students have the potential to solve the world's greatest and most complex problems and STEM education will allow them to develop the necessary skills to turn those ideas into reality.

According to the 3/2017 update from the US Dept of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration:

In 2015, there were 9.0 million STEM workers in the United States. About 6.1 percent of all workers are in STEM occupations, up from 5.5 percent just five years earlier.

STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.9 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to 6.4 percent growth for non- STEM occupations.

STEM workers earned 29 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts in 2015.

STEM degree holders enjoy higher earnings, regardless of whether they work in STEM or non- STEM occupations. A STEM degree holder can expect an earnings premium of 12 percent over non-STEM degree holders, holding all other factors constant.

COLORADO STEM ENDORSED DIPLOMA

In May of 2017 the state of Colorado passed legislation allowing for a STEM Endorsed Diploma provided students demonstrate specific STEM related outcomes throughout their high school education. To earn the endorsement students must: